Genealogical account of the family of Edmonstone of Duntreath

THE FAMILY OF EDMONSTONE. 51
newly revived law against ' intercommuning with rebels,' and also under
that against Conventicles. The fanatical and often treasonable conduct of
the extreme section of the Presbyterians would have justified a less un-
scrupulous and tyrannical government than that of Lauderdale in resorting
to strong and unusual measures at this wretched period. Mr. Edmonstone
was released on ' a petition by the Lady Duntreath ' to the Duke of York
and the Lords of the Council. The fine, however, was exacted and paid,
and in the Acts of Parliament dated Jan. 27, 1690, is 'An Act and decreet
in favour of Robert Adair of Kinhilt against the Aires (heirs) of Archibald
Edmonstone of Duntreath, in consequence Sir Robert having borrowed
£500 to pay his stepfather's fine.' It is stated that the Laird of Duntreath
being of weak and infirm body, at the earnest solicitation of his wife (Sir
Robert Adair's mother), he borrowed £500 on Irish security at 10 percent,
from Mr. William Hamilton, Duntreath's uncle, and Sir Robert now claimed
repayment from the tutors of the present Laird during his minority, which
was allowed.
As regarding the circumstances attending Mr. Edmonstone's death,
we have the following statement partly taken from the same document.
' There is further to be added of the same gentleman, that he was not long
at rest from the troubles above mentioned. The Rebellion broke out in
Ireland in the year 1688. Duntreath appeared very early to show his
zeal for the Protestant interests, and liberties of the people. He first
raised an independant company of his tenants and neighbours, and as far
as was in his power defended the country from the insults of the Irish,
particularly those that were in the garrison of Carrickfergus. He was
afterwards commanded by General Gustavus Hamilton to march his
company towards Coleraine.' Here he was brought into action with the
Rebels. Sir Arthur Rawdon, in his retreat before the Irish army, had
broken down the bridge across the Bannwater at Port Glenone in the
march previous. On the advance of Lord Galway's division, Colonel
Edmonstone with part of Adair's regiment was sent to secure the pass
and prevent the repairing of the bridge ; but on the 7th April Colonel
Nugent having succeeded with a strong force in crossing the Bann near
Port Glenone suddenly attacked Colonel Edmonstone, who, being sup-
ported by his Lieutenant, Colonel Shaw, and Sir Arthur Rawdon, defended